Looks like the Air Corps werent asked for Top Cover
https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/british-aircraft-responds-emergency-west-27046221
Werent asked because they probably knew they would not be around is my guess. UK HMCG have used them before I believe.
I dont see an issue particuarly since the HMCG was in the area in the 1st place.
Besides not like the state was offered a 5th PC12 that could have being used as a backup european MATS aircraft when needed so not to be wasting casa hours
Given the complaints about having to use the fourth PC12 for Martin when the Learjet and the Casa were unavailable, getting a fifth for MATS doesn’t seem like a solution either.
I dont think there was an issue in using the PC12 i think it was more it was going to be called in at the last second
The Indo article makes reference to it being a single engine plane and “not ideal for use by the Taoiseach or President”. Now whether that’s an actual position or the Indo spinning things I couldn’t tell you.
It's par for the course. Air Force 1 is 4 engined. Royal Flight used to be. Two is minimum nowadays for VIP'S.
But it wasnt in the area in the 1st place. Was in Shannon then back to the UK near Liverpool then down to the south of the UK then over to Knock.
It was orginally taught the boat was in british waters and the british sent the plane them selfs
Air corps where available according to this article
https://www.afloat.ie/safety/coastguard/item/54691-irish-coast-guard-says-fixed-wing-aircraft-in-solo-sailor-search-tasked-by-british-authorities
The first of the new CASA's must be due around now?
Surely the plane must be due for delivery shortly? It was supposed to be arriving in June, we are now in August….
Would not be surprised if it stopped off at RAF Battle on way over from Spain!
Seville is a lovely city. Why would the Aer Corps crew be in any rush to get back here.
Did the Aer Corps ever confirm what variant of the aircraft is going to be delivered ?
here is a couple of snaps anyway, apologies if these were posted already…
Its a 'Persuader' MPA without the weapons hardpoints specced, is it not?
Thought it was based off the Canadian SAR variant?
According to the article below a defence suite also
https://www.key.aero/article/iacs-new-mpa-c-295s-and-potential-fleet-three
Yes but the DOD had to make clear that doesn’t mean it could ever be sent into somewhere that it might get shot at…
Ah but thats the old DOD, its now under new Managament
Same as the old Management….
Apperently not, The new SecGen actually takes her job serious according to some repprys and wants her department to work
Yeah I've heard the same, McCrum is a new broom.
Imagine she transforms Defence (or helps to), as one of the most challenging change management tasks in the whole public sector, what a price she will attract in the private sector afterwards.
And thats not a criticism in any way, thats just the game.
I hope she does, we all do, I’m just thinking let’s wait and see how the Implementation of the recommendations goes and judge her and the department on that.
Oh absolutely, she still has 95% of the job ahead of her. But the early soundings from insiders are positive.
No doubt.
But frankly, they can either get with the programme, find a new role, or retire.
It’s nearly September so I will ask the question again, surely the new plane must be due for delivery shortly or is there a genuine technical commissioning hitch ?
The answer to your question is in the link 11 posts up.
The time frame for the expected delivery of the first aircraft is visible.
Quote from the Key report:
"C/n 211 is scheduled to be handed over to the IAC late in the first quarter of 2023 with the second, c/n 216, scheduled to arrive three months later."
Hmm. More than a little bit behind schedule!
